Meet Josh
In 2018, Joshua found himself at a crossroads while working at Pegasus Steel. Hungry for greater opportunities, yet encountering closed doors in a competitive market, he faced numerous rejections.
However, fate intervened when a friend alerted him to openings at Edison Offshore in Louisiana.
Despite being discouraged initially, Joshua embarked - with only his last paycheck, he made the 16-hour drive from Charleston. Armed with determination and steadfast self-belief, he arrived at Edison Offshore to find a room full of others who shared his aspiration to become a Merchant Mariner. Even though initially rebuffed by Mr. Nikki, the recruiter, Joshua's persistence and confidence left a lasting impression.
"I know what you said, but I want this job, and I know I can be good at it," Joshua asserted. His resilience and willingness to take risks resonated deeply with Mr. Nikki, who granted him an interview that very day. Ultimately, Joshua secured the position he had pursued against all odds.
Reflecting on his journey, Joshua shared, "This experience taught me a profound lesson—that with unshakable self-belief, relentless determination, and seizing every opportunity, any obstacle can be overcome, and any dream can be realized."
Joshua's story exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance and conviction, inspiring us all to pursue our aspirations with unwavering resolve.
Hey, word, I’m Curtis Lee Pinckney. My road to becoming a Merchant Seaman was not an easy one. Being denied 3 times for my MMC Credentials was hard and draining, but I never gave up hope.
I had heard about Merchant Marines, and in October of 2013, I started doing my research on what the job really was. I found an article online about how to apply, and started doing my due diligence. I received my TWIC Card, as well as my passport, but I couldn’t get the last part of the required documentation - my MMC card.
I wanted to give up after being rejected three times. I persisted, writing many letters and advocating for myself. Finally, in March of 2014, I received a letter and my MMC card. God is good.
Once I had all the documents, I needed to find a job. I had no contacts. Again, I turned to Google, searching for companies and came across a spreadsheet listing companies from Texas to Louisiana.
I called my then-boss, gave a reason about a family emergency, and rented a car to drive from Miami to Cut Off, Louisiana. It was a 14 hour drive.
I went to the first company on my list, and waited in line with about 60 other people who were trying to get a job. I was told that they were not hiring for entry level positions, but once again God had different plans for me, because a kind woman told me to leave and come back at 2pm to meet her boss, but she wasn't promising me anything.
I came back as instructed, and waited for two more hours to meet her boss. As they say, the rest is history.
I have been gainfully employed at Edison Chouest Offshore for 10 years now. It took me six months staying on a boat, not going home, to finally take my A.B. class, which is a 5-day course. I passed it with flying colors. As of today I am an A.B. Unlimited with Tanker-ship License, Tanker Barge(PIC), and work as an unlicensed mate on an oil barge in beautiful, wild Alaska.
One thing I can say is that in these 10 years I have helped nearly 200 people become successful Merchant Marines.
Better Career Opportunity is a blessing, because they have done all the leg work in getting everyone else prepared for their journey into this excellent career. That means you don’t have to do the research, the hoping, the praying, alone.
I would like to say there’s a difference between a job and a career. Better Career Opportunity.Inc is going to help you find your career.